A functioning "landline" can be important in other instances too. I received routine safety advice from my energy supplier the other day regarding gas leaks: don't use a mobile phone within the house to report a gas leak but use a "landline".

Unlikely perhaps that there would be a simultaneous failure of a "landline" service and a gas leak occurring but I guess it could happen. VOiP equipment and other mains electricity powered devices would obviously be unusable. However perhaps a UPS backup might be feasible for the vulnerable in similar circumstances...

That's interesting, as it raises the question as to what danger would a mobile phone be in a gas leak? What about a DECT phone which is what most(?) now have?

Another thought. In your "unlikely event", wouldn't a UPS kicking in be dangerous?

In reply to a post by pluralist:

That's interesting, as it raises the question as to what danger would a mobile phone be in a gas leak? What about a DECT phone which is what most(?) now have?

https://www.york.gov.uk/IfYouSmellGas#:~:text=If%20y...

If you smell gas, don't:

turn any electric switches on or off (this includes lights) - this can cause a spark, which could cause an explosion if there is a gas leak.
use your phone indoors as it could cause a spark
smoke
use naked flames
use the door controlled entry system from your flat

Some sites specify not to use a mobile phone, but most places correctly mention only "phone".

Even an analogue phone has voltage that could cause a spark.

Edited by j0hn83 (Mon 01-Apr-24 16:54:00)

In reply to a post by pluralist:

That's interesting, as it raises the question as to what danger would a mobile phone be in a gas leak? What about a DECT phone which is what most(?) now have?

I can only assume that a mobile phone creates a spark (rather like other electrical switches that should not be used) that might cause a gas explosion.

My energy supplier didn't mention DECT phones - perhaps its prudent to use a corded phone?

In reply to a post by j0hn83:

Some sites specify not to use a mobile phone, but most places correctly mention only "phone".

Even an analogue phone has voltage that could cause a spark.

Thanks for that, it seems my energy supplier was totally irresponsible in suggesting using a "landline" from within a property if there is a suspected gas leak.

Given a suspected tiny gas leak, which we had in the meter cupboard for many years in the days meter readers came into the house every quarter to read them but when asked if they could smell it all said no, I see no problem with a phone especially if in a different room.

(We gave up asking, but finally one did detect it, and the whole 1960s pipe from the street had the modern plastic insert fed through it to the cupboard).

Given a strong leak, get out of the house anyway! As well as opening the appropriate windows having previously opened doors to clear the worst.

In reply to a post by pluralist:

Another thought. In your "unlikely event", wouldn't a UPS kicking in be dangerous?

Crikey! Probably best to get out of the house and shout for help or use a mobile phone outdoors if one is not vulnerable and disabled.

Absolutely, use the mobile phone outdoors. It's what they were for originally,

In reply to a post by pluralist:

...in the days meter readers came into the house every quarter to read them

Vulnerable customers can still have their meters read - good thing since apparently approx 20% of smart-meters are not fully functioning. For safety reasons smart gas meters are battery powered but unlike a human they can not smell gas!